Q&A with Dr. Staggs

We sat down with CHES Principal Dr. Staggs to talk about leadership, school traditions, and what makes Crieve Hall Elementary such a special place.

Can you tell us a little about you?

“I grew up in Florence, AL, and have called Middle Tennessee home for the past 32 years. I started my career teaching middle and high school math before becoming a school Principal. My wife and I have two teenage children, and we love spending time together outdoors. Fishing is my go-to hobby when I have free time! When we’re not at school, you can usually find us at church activities or somewhere enjoying nature with our family.”

How long have you been at Crieve Hall Elementary?

“I’m proud to serve as the Principal of Crieve Hall Elementary since January 2023, where I’ve had the privilege of working with this amazing community and helping our Cardinals learn, grow, and thrive.”

What’s your favorite part of being Principal at Crieve Hall?

“My favorite part is seeing our Cardinals thrive! We have incredible students, and watching them learn, grow, and gain confidence each day is the reason I love coming to work. Our students are inspiring, fun, and full of curiosity—and I learn from them just as much as they learn from us.”

What is something students might be surprised to learn about you?

“Students might be surprised to learn that I love to cook! I don’t get to spend as much time in the kitchen as I’d like, but I enjoy trying new recipes and recreating dishes from old family cookbooks. There’s something special about sharing good food and family traditions.”

What was your favorite subject when you were in elementary school?

“Math has always been my favorite subject—as long as I can remember! I loved solving problems and figuring out how things worked, and that passion stayed with me all the way through my years as a math teacher.”

What’s one word you hope students feel when they walk into school each morning?

“It’s hard to choose just one word, but I would say belonging. I want every student to feel like they belong at Crieve Hall—that they are welcomed, safe, valued, and an important part of our school community.”

Which school event do you look forward to the most every year?

“That’s a tough choice because there are so many wonderful events at Crieve Hall! The events I look forward to most are the ones that put our students in the spotlight, such as International Night, Field Day, and the spring musicals. It’s always exciting to celebrate their talents, creativity, and achievements.”

What makes the Crieve Hall community special?

“There are so many things that make Crieve Hall special! We truly live out what it means to be a community— we care about one another, welcome everyone, celebrate our differences, and have fun together. We are deeply committed to academic excellence while also helping students build strong character and become thoughtful, responsible citizens.”

What’s one thing you hope every student remembers about elementary school?

“I hope every student remembers Crieve Hall as a place where they felt welcomed, safe, and respected. I also hope they remember it as a place where they learned to read, discovered their strengths, built friendships, and developed the character that will guide them throughout their lives.”

What does a “great school day” look like to you?

“A great school day looks like students actively engaged, challenged, and thriving in their learning. I love walking into classrooms and seeing students deep into rich discussions through our Wit & Wisdom curriculum, making connections in a Socratic seminar, problem solving ideas in a Stemscopes Math lesson, and experiencing those “light bulb” moments when it clicks. A great day also includes stopping by our library—the highest-circulating library in MNPS—and seeing students eagerly checking out books and discovering a love of reading. Add in the smiling faces in the cafeteria during lunch, the energy and excitement in the gym, and the positive interactions happening all throughout the building, and that’s what a great school day looks like to me. One of my favorite things is seeing the pride on our teachers’ faces when students succeed, overcome challenges, and achieve goals they’ve worked hard to reach. It’s a day when students and staff feel connected, supported, and excited to learn and grow.”

What’s your favorite tradition at Crieve Hall Elementary?

“One of my favorite traditions is the Hall-i-day Pancake Breakfast each December. Crieve Hall families come together to enjoy holiday festivities, student choral performances, the book fair, art displays, and, of course, lots of pancakes! It’s a fun event that brings our school community together and celebrates the season.”

What advice would you give to new Kindergarten/incoming families?

“Welcome—you’ve joined an incredible school community! Crieve Hall is a place where your child will be supported, encouraged, and cared for every step of the way. Your child will learn, grow, and thrive here.

My advice is to continue surrounding your child with encouragement, hope, and love. Give them opportunities to develop independence, while also letting them know you’re always there when they need you. Stay involved in their learning by reading together each night, talking about their school day, reviewing their work, and maintaining regular communication with their teacher. Working together, we can help your child have a wonderful elementary school experience.”

Final question…finish the sentence “Crieve Hall Cardinals are…”

“Crieve Hall Cardinals are amazing students who strive to do their best, care for one another, and take tremendous pride in their school and community. They are kind, hardworking, resilient, and make Crieve Hall a truly special place to learn and grow.”